Nintendo has just announced during their E3 Direct the first new 2D Metroid game in over 19 years. This new entry, titled Metroid Dread is a new spin on the traditional 2D Metroid formula. Nintendo describes the game’s plot on Twitter, saying “Continue Samus’ story after Metroid Fusion, exploring a strange new planet alone and hunted by the ominous E.M.M.I.”

During Nintendo Treehouse Live @ E3, Nintendo described the development history behind Metroid Dread, stating that the game got its title from the “relentless threat that pursues the seemingly invincible Samus Aran… it’s a new game in the Metroid series that has new elements of a different flavor added to it.” The original idea for Metroid Dread came up about 15 years ago according to Sakamoto Yoshio, producer of Metroid Dread, and is being developed by Mercurysteam in conjunction with the Metroid team.

Check out this development history video with #MetroidDread Producer, Yoshio Sakamoto, as he shares some details around the recently announced game. pic.twitter.com/KsbUQeUcFV

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 15, 2021

The Official Metroid Dread website released more details following the Direct Livestream. Abilities like the Melee Counter return alongside the new Dash Counter. Samus can also free-aim her shots now while moving as well. The new Spider Magnet allows Samus to climb and hang on walls, and the new Slide mechanic allows for more fluid traversal without losing momentum. The new threat, named E.M.M.I, will pursue Samus throughout the game, but abilities such as the Phantom Cloak allowing Samus to hide from this new enemy provides different options for survival. One hit from this enemy though, and it’s game over. This newest entry in the series seems to provide plenty of challenges for series veterans.

Nintendo also announced during the Direct two brand new amiibo coinciding with the release of Metroid Dread, featuring Samus and the new E.M.M.I.

Have an early look at the #MetroidDread Samus and E.M.M.I. #amiibo figures, releasing alongside the game on 10/8! pic.twitter.com/E3FSDgHzaa

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 15, 2021

Finally, there will also be a special edition releasing as well, which includes the game, a steel game case, artbook, and art cards covering all 5 games in the 2D series.

The game is expected to launch on October 8th, 2021 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. For more updates, stay tuned to Mxdwn to hear all the latest news on Metroid Dread and E3.